Prof Opoku Onyinah as NPP Running Mate; See The Key Pros and Cons

Apostle Professor Kwadwo Nimfour Opoku Onyinah, a former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost is a name linked to the New Patriotic Party Running Mate Search. 

This comes after the respected Apostle said God has a reason for creating him hence he won’t hide his talent from serving the church, Ghana and the world.

He said refusal to avail himself will be an advantage for the “noisy minority” to destroy the society or even rule.

“The Lord has a reason for creating me. Burying my talent and making it redundant is doing a disservice to my family, church, nation, and world. If I fail to speak, to work, to contribute, I allow the ‘bad’ minority to rule and dictate. Often, the silence of the majority or a good one helps the noisy minority destroy society or even rule. (From my script on Words of Wisdom).” He posted on his verified social media.

Pros of Onyinah as Running mate 

If chosen as NPP Running Mate, Apostle Opoku Onyinah will become the first pastor to join the ticket of either of the two major political parties in Ghana

His selection by Bawumia may automatically make him a candidate of the New of the largest denominations in Ghana, the church of Pent whose  members run into thousands and millions in Ghana and across the world.

It is expected that the Church may take an active interest in Onyinah’s win to expand the influence of the church in government.

If selected, Opoku Onyinah may focus on fully winning church votes for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia by convincing those skeptical of Bawumia’s Muslim faith.

Also, Opoku Onyinah hails from the Ashanti Region and is reportedly popular in his home Constituency admired by both NPP and NDC voters.

The respected Church leader comes across as a safe option without much controversy as he has no scandals of any sort trailing him.

By choosing Opoku Onyinah, Bawumia is assuring the NPP queue he does not want to influence his successor as Opoku Onyinah is likely to leave the scene after serving his country as running mate.

Cons of Onyinah As Running mate 

Prof Opoku Onyinah is not a politician and has no connection with the New Patriotic party’s base which may work against him.

Some say he may not be able to mobilize the NPP grassroots to work hard for the needed numbers.

This is because he is neither a technocrat properly  nor a politician which are the two primary considerations.

If he is selected, it would suggest that Dr. Bawumia and the NPP are introducing direct religion in politics.

Also, Rev Onyinah’s involvement in the National Cathedral matter as Board Chairman may affect him in the eyes of floating voters.

It will be recalled MyNewsGh.com is the first news portal to publish the name of Apostle Professor Kwadwo Nimfour Opoku Onyinah as a running mate option for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia 24 hours after the NPP Primaries ended.

The well-known Ghanaian theologian and televangelist was the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost from 2008 to 2018 and has served Ghana in various capacities.

The church leader is said to have played a role in Dr. Bawumia’s popularity among Christian clergy, especially in the Church of Pentecost.

His supporters in the NPP say his selection will strengthen Bawumia’s position within the Christian community and provide the needed balance.

Advocates for Onyinah also claim that he is from the Ashanti Region, which is critical to the NPP’s chances in the 2024 election.

Opanin Kwame Onyinah and Maame Rebecca Akosua Addai of Aduman gave birth to him in Aduman, Ashanti Region.

In 1993, Onyinah established the Pentecost International Worship Centre as a ministry of The Church of Pentecost. He earned a doctor of philosophy in theological studies from the University of Birmingham in 2002, as well as a master of theology in applied theology from Regents Theological College.

He is the last Apostle to walk alongside the founder of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor James McKeown. Onyinah joined The Church of Pentecost’s ministry in 1976 and has held a variety of positions, including rector of Pentecost University College, executive council member, and the church’s first International Missions Director.